Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Monday reiterated that Pakistan is a peace-loving nation; however, no one will be allowed to compromise its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or test its resolve.

Addressing officers of all three armed services in Rawalpindi, the CDF said, “Let all be aware that Pakistan is invincible, and it has been protected by faithful, courageous soldiers and the unwavering determination of a united nation.”

He went on to say that India should not remain under any illusion or self-deception — next time, Pakistan’s response will be even swifter and more severe.

A clear message has also been conveyed to the Taliban regime that they have no option but to choose between Fitna Al Khawarij and Pakistan, he added.

Field Marshal Asim Munir said that the establishment of the newly formed Defence Forces Headquarters is a historic structural transformation.

“In view of the growing and evolving threats, it is essential that we further enhance multi-domain operations under a unified tri-services system,” he said.

The Field Marshal said that the creation of the Defence Forces Headquarters is a necessary step towards this change.

Each service will maintain its distinct identity to ensure operational readiness, while the Defence Forces Headquarters will coordinate and harmonise inter-service operations.

Along with unity at the higher command level, all three services will retain their internal autonomy and organisational structures, he said.

Earlier, a formal ceremony was held at GHQ in Rawalpindi to honour the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces.

Field Marshal Munir was presented a guard of honour by contingents of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu were also present.

The tri-services contingent first saluted the naval and air chiefs before presenting a general salute to Field Marshal Munir, marking his official induction as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces.